BaeSuk: Korean Pear Cough Remedy (That Tastes Like Dessert)
Bae-Suk / 배숙 (Korean Pear Cough Remedy)
Ingredients
1 organic pear (Korean pear is ideal, but any soft pear works)
2 organic jujube dates
1 knob fresh ginger (sliced or grated)
½ tbsp sprouted pumpkin seeds (optional)
1 tbsp raw organic honey (added after steaming)
Method
Wash the pear and jujubes thoroughly.
(How I do it: 15 minute soak in baking soda + filtered water, scrub pear skin with coarse sea salt, then rinse.)Cut the pear lengthwise or slice the top off.
Scoop out the flesh and core, leaving about ½ inch thickness to create a “cup.”
Discard the core and finely chop the scooped pear flesh.
Fill the pear with chopped pear, jujube, ginger, and pumpkin seeds.
Place in a steam-safe bowl and cover with the pear top if available.
Steam over medium heat for 30–40 minutes, depending on size.
Let cool in the pot (lid on) for 10 minutes.
Drizzle with raw honey AFTER steaming.
Sip the warm juice and enjoy the fruit/stuffings—this is nature’s cough syrup at it’s finest.
WHY THIS WORKS
This recipe is rooted in traditional Korean medicine, which focuses on balance in the body.
Pears are considered “cooling,” meaning they help soothe inflammation and dryness—especially helpful for dry coughs and irritated throats.
But when you’re sick, too much “cooling” can make you feel even more off. That’s where ginger and jujube come in.
They’re considered “warming,” helping your body stay balanced instead of overly cooled down.
In simple terms:
this recipe combines soothing + warming ingredients so your body can actually receive the benefits without being thrown out of balance.
INGREDIENT BENEFITS (science-backed)
Pears
Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
High water content helps hydrate and soothe the throat
Traditionally used to support respiratory health
Ginger
Contains gingerol, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound
May help relax airway muscles and reduce coughing
Supports immune response
Jujube (Red Dates)
Traditionally used to calm coughs and support immunity
Contains antioxidants and compounds shown to reduce inflammation
May help reduce severity and frequency of coughs
Pumpkin Seeds (optional)
Rich in zinc, which supports immune function
Adds a grounding, nutrient-dense element
Opt for sprouted as these are easier to digest & absorb
ABOUT THE HONEY (IMPORTANT)
Raw honey is easily the heart of this recipe—but only if it’s high quality.
Heating honey can degrade its beneficial enzymes and antibacterial properties, which is why I add it AFTER steaming.
Raw honey:
Coats and soothes the throat
Has natural antimicrobial properties
May help reduce cough frequency (especially at night)
But as always quality matters.
Most commercial honey is highly processed and often contains contaminants and diluted sugars.
That’s why I recommend Lineage Raw 100% Organic Honey—it’s sourced far from commercial farms, rigorously tested, and comes in glass jars (not plastic).
You can use code MUMWITHABUN for a discount.
JUST DO IT.
This is one of those recipes that just becomes part of your rhythm because you look forward to it the moment you have your last bite.
I may have licked my plate at the end.
This is…
Something you can make without thinking twice when a cough starts…
something your kids actually look forward to…
something that reminds you that healing doesn’t always have to come from a bottle.
Save it, come back to it, and make it your own ♡ Stay healthy, friends!
How many BaeSuk can you eat in a day?
Honestly… I get the urge to have it all day too…
A good guideline:
1–2 servings a day is perfect when you’re sick
You can have more, but just be mindful:
It has natural sugars (pear + honey + jujube)
Ginger can get a little intense in larger amounts
If you want to stretch it, you can sip the broth throughout the day instead of eating multiple full servings — same cozy benefits (;
